Firefighter

Battle blazes to protect people, animals, and property.

What does a Firefighter do?

There is no typical day for a firefighter. That’s because you may have scheduled meetings, trainings, or other obligations, but those are all put on the back burner when a call comes in. And you never know what that call will be.

Your morning might start with a backyard burn that got out of control, a medical response call, or a chemical spill at the local plant. If you’re lucky enough to squeeze in lunch, you scarf that down before the bells ring, signaling a house fire, rescue, or bomb threat. Your next call might be in response to a car fire, laboratory blaze, or gasoline spill.

When the alarms stop ringing, you inspect, clean, and maintain your personal equipment which consists of a jacket, pants, boots, air supply gear, and personal alert device. Next you wash the fire truck, perform required inspections, ensure each piece of equipment is in its proper place, and check batteries in heart monitors and radios. Inside the fire house, you clean, cook meals, attend meetings, participate in drills, and regularly update your knowledge of fire and medical practices.

In addition to fighting fires and responding to medical emergencies, you offer other community services. You speak about fire safety at schools and public events. The fire station also lends out life jackets and provides car seat safety clinics. During these events you inform the public about water and child seat safety laws and proper use of the equipment.